Mixing It Up

Even though I embrace and love color, as a New Yorker wearing black is a major part of my life. Great thing about fashion these days is the way you can play around with patterns to ante up your basic black items. 

Graffiti walls and bright lippies are a weakness of mine

In middle school all I wore were plaid button ups. It was the 90's and I loved the look of grunge plaid with baggy jeans. It was the start of me coming into my own with my look. Even though my clothes are more fitted (my twelve year old self would have never thought I would be in skinny jeans), I still love a good plaid shirt. I picked up this flannel shirt from Ellos on sale ($24) and its perfect for this Feb winter weather. I love feeling nice and toasty without having to wear a lot of layers. This shirt also comes in red so if you are on the lookout for a good flannel shirt, then look no further. 

Say what now?? I'm fab? YASSSS!!! lol

Ombre jeans hit the scene and I was very curious and wanted to try a pair. At first I wanted a dark blue to light blue pair, but I thought about how well can a dark wash that fades to a super light wash would look in the winter.  While online browsing (that is the way I unwind...I know #shopaholic), I stumbled upon this pair that went from black to grey. Also, they were on sale so that just made it a must have. I have raved about Melissa McCarthy jeans and these skinny jeans are another hit. The stretch of these hug the curves while still being comfy. It's cold out here in these streets, and you can be warm without having to sacrifice your style. I loved the way the jeans look with the flannel shirt. It's a fun twist on basics. 

Headwraps are a godsend. I need more!!

My oh so favorite moto is with me once again. When I say, this jacket is a major part of my wardrobe that is an understatement. Having a moto in my opinion is a MUST. It edges up any look, and its great for layering. I have at least 10 moto's in all different colors. It's crazy how 3-5 years ago finding a great staple like a moto was far and few between for plus, and color- forget about it. I am glad that we have so many brands out here that make great items that fit our bodies. Keeping the edginess going with these great leather (yes leather!!) booties. Great heel height and goes with everything in your closet. Are you loving my updated monochromatic look? Make sure you comment below! Later lovers!!

YEAR 2!!!!

I can't believe that it is my two year bloggerversary. The year has gone by soo quick, that I can't believe it's here. I wanted to wear something fun and bold, so I decided to rock this great jumpsuit from Eloquii. I love one and done dressing, and besides a dress, the jumpsuit is another great item to have in your wardrobe. I love the bold color and the off the shoulder ruffles. I paired the jumpsuit with my all time favorite bomber. This silver bomber looks amazing with everything from jeans, to this jumpsuit and even dresses. It just makes everything better and way more fun. All that was left were some more red accessories and I was all set. 

 

HAPPY MOMENTS OF YEAR 2

JAYE PANT

How many people can say, I have a pair of pants named after me...this lucky gal can say she was one of them. Spring 2016, Eloquii debut the Jaye pant - a cropped version of their ever so popular Kady pant. It was such an honor, and I was floored when Jodi, the Creative Director of Eloquii told me they were naming it after me. The brand will always have a special place in my heart, not because of the great honor, but because they made me excited about clothes again. Thank you Eloquii!!!!!

PLUS MODEL MAG BLOGGERS TO LOOK OUT FOR

I started out the year with a feature from the lovely blog editor Marcy Cruz. She named me one of the three bloggers to look out for in 2016 alongside The Real Sample and Mustang Sally. I was soo stoked to see myself named among some serious blogger hustlers. I hope I did Marcy proud. 

FASHION BOMB DAILY

Every week I would look to see who was the latest to be featured in Fashion Bomb Daily Bombshell or Bomber of the week. In February, I had the pleasure of being featured and I was ecstatic. Being picked to be a part of such a great bunch of fashionable people (especially as a plus size woman), was an honor

ESSENCE

Believe it or not when I was younger I told my mom I wanted to be in Essence Magazine. Twenty years later and I was featured on their site for having great style at the Curvy Con. Website is a start, but trust me, the mag is next!!!!!

INSTAGRAM WIVES WERE BORN

Started with a video, and now we're here. Jessica from Revelist gave us a name neither her or us would have ever thought would have gone viral the way that it did. When I started blogging it was nice that I had a network of women that have been there to help me out, make me go to events, and learn the business side to blogging. The Instagram Wives may have started in a video, but it's about working together. When women come together, we can do anything. Maddy from PMM loved our story so much she featured us in the Denim Issue of Plus Model Magazine! Double score!!

HITTING 7K ON INSTAGRAM

Milestone are always a good thing, and I was so happy that I was able to hit my goal of 7k this year. Insta Fam held me down and I thank you for that. 

TRAVEL & FUN

This year, I actually got to take some time out and go away. I attended my first BlogHer conference out in LA (swag on top of swag, on top of swag). I definitely recommend going at least once in your life if you are a blogger. There were a lot of workshops I attended that definitely helped me in regards to managing my blog. Business of blogging is a big one, so it is always good to learn some new tips, make some new connections, and the added bonus, enjoy the gorgeous LA weather. Also, my lookbook with the Instagrams Wives was a big hit as well!!!

I also got a chance to visit Philly. Philly has completely changed since I visited last six years ago and I am happy that I was able to work with Visit Philly and get to see the city with Georgette from Grown & Curvy Woman.  It was great to see the city, especially the mural tour, and have fun with my boo. 

HOLIDAY AD CAMPAIGN WITH FULLBEAUTY

Fullbeauty asked me and the Wives to be a part of their Holiday Campaign. I had so much fun getting glammed up and shooting all the pretty looks. The video turned out so well, and our photo's really captured our individual personalities. 

POP UP PLUS LOOKBOOK

When your friend owns a boutique and asks you to be a part of it, you don't say no. I ended out 2016 working with the Pop Up Plus team shooting an amazing lookbook and hilarious gag real for them. I don't get dressed up too often, but when I do watch out! The denim obsessed borderline tomboy can pull out the stops especially when it comes to getting pretty for the Holidays. 

I just want to say thank you to all of the brands that worked with me this year. Shout out to Dia & Co, Fullbeauty, Eloquii, Just My Size, JC Penney, Simply Be, Lane Bryant, JD Williams, Torrid, Essie, Pop Up Plus, Ellos, Avenue, SWAK, and City Chic, Modamix, and Fashion To Figure. Without you, the blog would have not been as successful. I am truly appreciative of all the likes, love, shares that have been bestowed upon me. I love you all and make sure you keep up wth me to see all that goes down in Year #3. 

Winter Is Here

Winter, is not my favorite season. The sun setting at 4:30 and cloudy days, definitely will take the pep out of your step. It does for me. I try to shake the winter blues and dressing drab by wearing more color, either with my coat, or printed pieces. It's the little things that can definitely perk you up, but how does one dress for cold weather without sacrificing warmth?

SWAK, a LA based brand reached out to me for a challenge. How can I take their warm weather pieces and make it work for this NYC blogger in the middle of winter. I decided to take two of their dresses: the Sandra and Mia to show how one can wear these dresses throughout the year. There are two essential pieces in my arsenal that I wear in the winter that will allow you to wear these dresses in cold weather: a turtleneck and fleece lined tights. 

My first tip is to turn the Mia which a sleeveless dress into a jumper. The easiest way to do this is to wear a turtleneck. As you may know, I live in a turtleneck in colder temperatures. They are great for layering underneath sleeveless dresses like the Mia to make them winter proof. It adds warmth without a lot of bulk. To keep it cute I wore some otk boots (which also keeps the gams warm) and my favorite hat. 

The second dress I winterized was the Sandra dress. This is a short sleeved dress, so I decided to use multiple layers like a jacket and fur vest to ward off the chill. The fur vest is everything, but the star of this look is the fleece lined tights. I do not know who invented fleece lined tights, but they are the best things ever. I was definitely the woman that refused to wear a skirt if it was less then 40 degree's outside because it is not fun or cute to be standing outside waiting for the train and be cold. With these tights, my legs don't feel a thing. With these tights I do not have to sacrifice style for warmth. 

With both dresses, I went with a size 2X, but with the Sandra, I could have went down to a 1X. The prints are bold enough to make an impact, but can be worn with so many different pieces. In addition to these great dresses, SWAK has tops, skirts and pants. It is also, their 10th Anniversary so with any purchase of $50 or more you will receive a little token of their appreciation. What are your winter essentials? Share in the comments!!!

Slay Sister Slay

For those that are no stranger to Style Over Size, you know that a good graphic tee and a pair of jeans are a mainstay in my wardrobe. No matter what I wear, it has to be comfortable, fun, and above all else fit well. 

Boyfriend jeans are one of my all time favorite denim silhouettes. They can be relaxed, sexy, and cool all depending how you want to wear them. Distressed boyfriend jeans are my favorite especially with some cute shoes, but these polka dot versions are a close second. The gold polka dots are very Kate Spade. It's a great preppy meats laid back casual piece that is effortlessly cool. I am wearing these with a tee, blazer, and sneakers, but these jeans would also look great with a crisp button up, some gold sparkly pumps and a great coat for work. For a girls night out, wear the jeans with a bodysuit and some great sandals. The looks that you can put together with these jeans are endless. If you like boyfriend jeans, then give this fun update a try. 

No matter what you wear, when you wear items that you love it shows. Confidence in what you wear gives you an extra pep in your step and you really exude some serious "Slay Sister Slay" even when you are wearing sneakers. Whether you are plus size, straight size, petite, do not settle when it comes to what you wear. Whether it's a pair of sweat pants or a ball gown, if you look at it, and it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling buy it. If not, don't even waste your money. I rather have one item I love than ten things that are just there just to fill up my closet. What you wear should always reflect you and you alone. Do not let anyone stop you from wearing what makes you feel good. I want to hear from you out there lovers, what is that item in your life that makes you smile every time you wear it. I want to know about your "Slay Sister Slay' piece. Sound off in the comments, and until next time lovers!! Muah!

Brunch Glam

I started off 2017 with brunch with my roomie from college. She is a New Year's baby and came to town to enjoy the city. It was a chilly, but sunny day in NYC and I felt it was the perfect day to give my Roamans fur coat a wear. Faux fur is a weakness of mine (my love of fur started because of my mom) and anything grey, so when I saw this on Fullbeauty's site it was added to the cart immediately. Also, it being 50% off didn't hurt either. The coat kept me warm as I walked around NYC New Year's Day. Usually when it comes to fur coats, I prefer them to be on the shorter side since I am 5'6". This one hit above the knee which is the perfect sweet spot. 

When you are torn between casual and glam...you get this. 

This coat is just oh so fab. Even with a sweatshirt and jeans, I still look pulled together. When it comes to brunch I like to wear items that are comfy. For me, there is nothing worse than eating good, but feel stuffed and uncomfortable in your clothes. Sweatshirts are a big part of my wardrobe and anything with cute embellishments or detailing definitely takes the classic sweatshirt from work out to werk. My love affair with Melissa McCarthy denim continues with this ankle skinny jeans. Her denim is stretchy but does not give out where some denim can. I wore these all day and whether I was walking, or sitting, the jeans still kept their shape. 

When you see a skateboarder complete a cool trick while taking blog pics

With neutrals I always want to wear a lip color that pops. For those that know me, I'm all about the vampy lip and I have so many wines, blacks, deep reds, and purples. I would have never thought that my new favorite lippie would be teal. This is called Uniformly Fabulous and its amazing. I love how it pops against my melanin and just brings the whole edgy glam casual look together. So what do you think? Was my Brunch Glam look a hit? Sound off in the comments. Muah!